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Everybody Loves Labradors, So Why Are They Underdogs?

In 136 Years of Westminster Show, Popular Breed Has Never Won Grand Prize

By

Ben Cohen

Feb. 10, 2013 10:30 p.m. ET

For the past 22 years, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in the U.S., tying the Poodle's record reign atop American Kennel Club registrations. "They're the greatest dogs in the world," said David Frei, the Westminster Kennel Club's communications director. "Who doesn't love a Labrador Retriever?"

The answer is judges at the Westminster Dog Show. In 136 years of the event, no Labrador has...

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Labrador Retreivers: The Underdogs of Westminster

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the U.S. But no Lab has ever won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show, making Labs the Chicago Cubs of show dogs: the most lovable of four-legged losers. WSJ's Ben Cohen reports. Photo: Getty.